Few changes in latest Navy depth chart issued Monday

BILL WAGNERbwagner@capgaznews.com

Navy issued an updated depth chart on Monday and there were only a handful of changes.

On offense, the only new name was freshman Evan Martin, who replaced sophomore Adam West as the third string right guard. Martin, a 6-foot-3, 280-pound product of Lee's Summit, Missouri, was considered by the coaching staff to be one of Navy's top direct-entry recruits.

Most of the changes came on defense with the much-discussed inside linebacker position undergoing more shakeup. Senior Maika Polamalu has regained the backup job at SAM after rejoining the team following a one-week retirement due to medical concerns. Sophomore Ryan Harris is running third at that spot with senior Joe Worth falling off the depth.

Junior Tyler Goble is now No. 3 at MIKE with junior Don Pearson falling off the depth. Pearson had entered preseason camp as the starter.

Sophomore Cam Henson has hung up the helmet and been replaced by classmate Rob Dusz as the third straight nose guard. Last week, freshman Kevin McCoy (6-4, 205) earned a spot on the depth chart as the third stringer at the outside linebacker position known as Striker. This week, fellow plebe D.J. Palmore (6-3, 235) is listed No. 3 at the outside linebacker position known as Raider, supplanting sophomore Mike Kelly.

Senior Shakir Robinson is no longer listed No. 3 at free safety. Junior Lorentez Barbour is No. 2 behind Parrish Gaines at that spot. Meanwhile, junior Kwazel Bertrand and senior George Jamison remain even atop the depth at Rover. Senior Lonnie Richardson is third string at both safety positions.

It appears that junior slotback DeBrandon Sanders will succeed Shawn Lynch as the primary punt returner. Sanders is listed alone atop the depth chart after having been even with Gaines and wide receiver Brendan Dudeck the previous week.